► Like a Carrera S, but more powerful
► With black bits, and dynamic upgrades
► Across Coupe, Cabrio and Targa versions
The Carrera GTS version of the old, naturally aspirated 991-type Porsche 911 was a bit of a sweet spot in the range: some the choicest bits of the options list fitted as standard, and a smattering of black-coloured exterior trim tweaks to let Carrera S owners know they’d been outspent.
Now it’s the updated, turbocharged 991.2’s turn to get a GTS version of its own, and it follows the same template.
More power for the new GTS
In the tail there’s the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six introduced in the 991.2 Carrera S, but with a 30bhp power increase – bringing the total to 444bhp. That’s around 20bhp more than the old naturally aspirated 991 GTS.
Maximum torque of 406lb ft is spread usefully broadly between 2150rpm and 5500rpm.
Adaptive dampers as standard
Electronically controlled ‘PASM’ (Porsche Active Suspension Management) shock absorbers, usually an option at extra cost, are fitted as standard in conjunction with a 10mm drop in ride height.
Sport Chrono Pack standard, too
A package which includes various dynamic upgrades. Among them, there’s a nicer steering wheel, with a dial to select extra driving modes for the power steering, transmission (on PDK cars) and the aforementioned dampers. Pressing the centre of the dial selects ‘Sport Response mode’, programming the quickest possible reaction from the powertrain for around 20sec – a kind of temporary ‘boost’ button.
Also part of the Chrono pack are dynamic engine mounts (actuated by electromagnets to reduce vibration during normal driving but stiffen up when the car is being driven more aggressively), a launch control function in PDK cars, and a digital stopwatch on the dash to help check your sector times on the commute.
Noir-themed styling tweaks
Smoked tail-lights, black tailpipes and 20in centre-lock alloys continue the now-traditional black styling theme for GTS models.
Wider body from all-wheel-drive 911 models
Both rwd and awd GTS models are available but, regardless of how many wheels are driven, all GTS variants get the wider-track body designed for the all-wheel-drive 991.
The 2017 Porsche 991.2 GTS range
All three 911 bodystyles are available in GTS form, with a choice of either seven-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearboxes across the range.
- Coupe Available with 2wd or awd
- Cabriolet Fabric roof, available with 2wd or awd
- Targa Metal/glass/fabric fliptop, awd only
How much?
The manual 2wd Carrera GTS Coupe is – relatively speaking – the most affordable version, at £94,316 (and probably the pick of the bunch full stop). That’s around £8500 more than a regular Carrera S.
The Carrera 4 GTS Coupe jumps to a whisker under £100k, but it’s quickest off the mark, hitting 62mph in 3.6sec if specced with a PDK ’box. The manual coupe is fastest flat-out, at 194mph.
Interestingly, Porsche has priced the Carrera 4 Cabrio GTS and the Targa 4 GTS identically to the nearest pound, at £108,144.
The new 991.2 GTS is available to order now, and deliveries start in March.
Read CAR’s review of the previous naturally aspirated 911 GTS Cabriolet
